- ColonoscopyThere’s never a good time to have cancer, but for Kristen Randol, her diagnosis couldn’t have come at a worse time. Dealing with the unexpected loss of her brother, Kristen first ignored symptoms, blaming them on grief. Eventually she did seek treatment, first from her family doctor, then a proctologist who ordered a colonoscopy. It was just days before Christmas when she got the news that they found two tumors. But even then, she stayed positive because the doctor believed it was Stage I and the extent of treatment was a re-sectioning surgery.
- GynecologyHeidi Wise’s journey started quickly. Seemingly overnight her right breast became hard, swollen and sore. She first consulted her OB-GYN, who then sent her to a surgeon. A biopsy revealed that Heidi had inflammatory breast cancer, an aggressive type of…
- Pregnancy
- Ovarian Cancer
- Cervical CancerEven more remarkable to Deena was the fact that she received state-of-the-art care, regardless of her ability to pay. “No one ever mentioned that I didn’t have insurance, and no one ever asked me, ‘How are you going to pay for this?’” In fact, FWMOH found a solution that Deena didn’t even know existed. “The office team found a program through the State of Indiana for women fighting breast and cervical cancer. I qualified,” says Deena. “All of my treatments were covered.”
- Colon CancerI scare people. I am a walking reminder of our mortality. I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer when I was 46 years old. I was the typical married, full-time working mom of two teenage boys. I lived a “healthy” lifestyle.
- Cancer CareFort Wayne Medical Oncology and Hematology takes a patient-focused, interdisciplinary, team approach to cancer care. As a patient, you are at the center of it all. Because treating cancer and blood disorders is a complex, multidisciplinary, and ever-changing process, our team is made up some of the best, most experienced healthcare professionals you’ll find anywhere.
- Depression
- Ultrasound
- MRIThe strong treatment made Ron terribly ill, but also gave him almost immediate results. The tumor shrunk enough after one treatment for Ron to regain a tiny bit of his sight the next day. Everyone was amazed. Dr. Sadiq couldn’t believe how quickly Ron responded. More chemotherapy and radiation followed, but no surgery. Five months later, Ron had another MRI that showed his cancer was in remission.
- RadiologyOur renown, highly-trained physicians join with physician assistants, nurse practitioners, specialized nurses, radiology technicians, laboratory technologists, and patient representatives to make sure you’re receiving the very best in cancer and blood disorder care.
- Computed TomographyI had a great response to chemo and was soon ready for surgery. I was grateful. I had my right ascending colon, appendix, gall bladder, and left lobe of my liver removed. Once recovered, I had six more chemo treatments. Then a follow-up CT scan showed no evidence of disease! Treatment and surgery had been successful! I had walked through Hell and came out on the other side. The coming years I will have frequent scans to evaluate for any reoccurrence.
- ChemotherapyFollowing surgery, she felt amazing and was anxious to get back home. She was dressed and waiting to check-out when Dr. Sadiq from Fort Wayne Medical Oncology came in with a new game plan. Post-surgery tests revealed that Kristen was facing Stage III colon rectal cancer that had spread to two of her lymph nodes, something that was very unusual for a person her age. And now this new doctor was telling her they had to start making plans for chemotherapy and radiation right away.
- Physical TherapyMy name is Darci Lewis and I am 54 years old. I am married to my husband Mike and have a son (27) and a daughter (14). My “cancer story” begins in 2017 when I was diagnosed with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Because it was very small and with consultation with my Oncologist and Surgeon, I opted for the lumpectomy and six (6) weeks of radiation. The surgery was a success with clear margins and lymph nodes. Radiation began shortly after and went rather well until week 4 and 5 when I was burning and in pain. It was the hardest part of my cancer journey thus far. Thank goodness for a long holiday weekend and some burn cream that helped me get through my last week of radiation. I had follow-up appointments every 3 months with my Medical Oncologist, Surgical Oncologist and Radiation Oncologist and received a mammogram every 6 months. All in all, things were going very well and my prognosis was looking good! Almost two (2) years later in April 2019, we were moving into a new house when I got really sick with what seemed like a really bad cold. As I was trying to recover, my symptoms got worse, including double and blurred vision, making it hard for me to see and even walk. I ended up in the ER and admitted to the hospital. Ater many tests, it was determined that I not only had the Rhinovirus but the Norovirus. It seems that my immune system was attacking my nervous system and had paralyzed my eyes, as I could not move them at all. I was finally diagnosed with Miller Fisher Syndrome (an autoimmune disorder) and treated with IVIG treatments for five (5) days. I was in the hospital for six (6) days and I was very weak and unable to walk without a walker or assistance. While recovering at home, I had to go to physical therapy and occupational therapy. They worked with building up my strength and balance, along with vision exercises, as my pupils were starting to move again. During this time at home, I noticed a fullness in my upper abdomen and questioned my family Dr. at a follow-up visit. She immediately ordered blood tests and a CT scan of my abdomen. My liver enzymes were very high, some 10 times higher than normal and my scan showed masses in my liver and was very compromised. I remember it being one of the worst phone calls I would receive as they thought it could be cancer in my liver and referred to my Oncologist. My Oncologist ordered many tests immediately, including a liver biopsy, PETscan and additional blood tests. Although, I knew the strong possibility that I could have cancer, talking to my Oncologist on the phone and confirming the news was devastating, as there were many masses and my prognosis was not good. The pathology report was not conclusive as to what kind of cancer it was, so it was sent to Cleveland Clinic for more testing. My Oncologist and her team suggested that we go to IU for another opinion. My husband and I were extremely impressed and relieved with this recommendation, as it brought us peace of mind. The visit to IU on
- Occupational Therapy